THE Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft uncovered an illicit fuel storage facility at No 3 Silver Bird Road, Ilasun Lekki, on Tuesday and apprehended five individuals.
The ringleader, Ahmed Ariyo, along with four others, was captured in a private residence where they conducted their unlawful operations.
According to the statement from the NNS Beecroft spokesperson, Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim, Commander NNS Beecroft, Commodore Rafiu Taye Oladejo, revealed during a press briefing that the discovery of the illegal fuel depot followed credible intelligence regarding suspicious activities at Elegushi beach.
This prompted the deployment of the NNS Beecroft Quick Response Team to the site, leading to the discovery and arrest of the suspects.
Commodore Oladejo disclosed that the illegal fuel depot comprised 8 storage tanks, each with a capacity of 50,000 liters, holding approximately 57,000 liters of AGO; a tanker with around 7,000 liters; and a bus containing 30 jerry cans holding about 1,500 liters.
The total volume of the products found amounted to roughly 65,000 liters of AGO, valued at approximately 89 million Naira based on the current price of AGO (₦1,350).
In assessing the total capacity of the storage facility within the apartment, the Commander mentioned that if the 8 storage tanks were filled with AGO, they would hold about 400,000 liters, equivalent to approximately 500 million Naira.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects likely obtained the products through pipeline vandalism, illegal sea vendors, and other illicit means along the coastline.
Commodore Oladejo emphasized NNS Beecroft’s unwavering commitment to combatting oil theft and other criminal activities as directed by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu.
He reassured law-abiding citizens of NNS Beecroft’s dedication to eradicating maritime crimes in the Lagos environment to foster socioeconomic activities.
The Commander subsequently handed over the suspects, products, and the facility to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and potential prosecution.
